Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Real Estate Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Stephenson Harwood LLP

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About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Our property litigation team has a track record of getting results for its clients: we combine excellent technical knowledge with commercial acumen. For us, the key questions are: what does our particular client want, and how can we use the property rights it has to help get them there.

We act in both commercial and residential for a wide range of landlords (from well-known institutions to entrepreneurs and individuals) and occupiers, developers, investors and public bodies. 

We can help with:

  • property risk management advice
  • dilapidations claims
  • property disputes: rights of way, easements, boundary disputes, adverse possession, restrictive covenants
  • landlord and tenant: forfeiture, lease renewals, break disputes, breach of covenant, rent reviews and insolvency
  • development disputes: rights of light, other construction nuisances (representing both developers and adjoining owners)
  • sale and purchase disputes: failure to complete, breach of warranty claims
    joint venture disputes
  • professional negligence claims
  • Sophie Schultz is particularly well-known for her rights of light expertise.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate Litigation - London (Firms)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
Stephenson Harwood fields an experienced and dedicated team of real estate litigators who advise a broad client base ranging from sizeable London estates to institutional investors and blue-chip corporates. The team offers specialist advice on rights to light and other development disputes, as well as advising on claims for issues such as nuisance, negligence and dilapidations.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood acted for HSBC Bank Pension Trust in hotly contested proceedings with its tenant, B&M Retail, over a development site in north-west London.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are always providing solid, reasoned advice and are very commercially minded.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

  • Stephenson Harwood offers outstanding communication, attention to detail, commercial acumen and best-in-class recommendations.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

  • The team are commercially astute in negotiations and very focused on achieving the optimum outcome for clients rather than just going for the easy option.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Sophie Schultz
    Sophie Schultz

    Sophie Schultz

    Sophie Schultz is recommended for her expertise in rights to light and other contentious development work. Her clients include landlords, banks and real estate funds.

    • She is really impressive commercially.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

    • Sophie is an excellent litigator.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

    • She is a great operator.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
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  • Mario Betts
    Mario Betts

    Mario Betts

    Mario Betts is a managing associate who has experience acting for a range of clients including technology companies, developers and retailers. He works on matters such as lease and development disputes.

    • Mario is very sharp, provides great advice and is great to work with.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (2)

London (Firms)

Members

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